“I am of the opinion, by reading the flag code of the United States, that while my heart certainly goes out to the victims and their families…it doesn’t meet the test of the reason for the flag to be lowered to half-staff.”

The move comes despite a federal order from President Barack Obama and a state corollary from Gov. Robert Bentley that all state and federal flags are to be lowered until noon Thursday.

The Baldwin County Commission’s chairman refused, saying discretion over the status of flags lies with him — and he decided against it.

Dorsey also declined to lower the flags following the terror attacks on Paris and San Bernardino in recent months.

The commission’s chairman explained on his Facebook page:

Lowering the flags to half-staff after [a]mass shooting or terrorist event is not a valid circumstance or memorial as specified in the U.S. flag code. I realize that the President and Governor may make the order, but I believe and interpret their order inconsistent with the adopted flag code.

Dorsey continued that he thought lowering the flag was tantamount to the state “holding its head down” and vowed he wanted all Americans to “stand tall, courageously, and fight back against the forces of evil, and let’s fight like we intend to win.”

At press time, it was unclear whether state or federal officials had taken any interest in reprimanding the Baldwin Commission.

Tucker Bentley is exactly right. We’ve gone so far as to lower flags to half-staff for drug-addled former pop singers like Whitney Houston, robbing the gesture of any meaning. The flag is lowered to honor national heroes, not pip stars and midnight cowboys.

I read your Facebook message and applaud your stance. The law is clear and once again President Obama chooses to alter it to meet his own political agenda. By the way, my brother and uncle are both gay so I do understand the grief. What makes no sense is a president who refuses to abide by standing law.

Any rule or custom pertaining to the display of the flag of the United States of America, set forth herein, may be altered, modified, or repealed, or additional rules with respect thereto may be prescribed, by the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the United States, whenever he deems it to be appropriate or desirable; and any such alteration or additional rule shall be set forth in a proclamation.

that may be the code; but guess what? obama doesnt follow the laws! touche’ Tucker – thanks for standing up for your beliefs and YOUR interpretation of the flag code of these UNITED STATES. folks, everyone should follow suit – our hearts are with those people’s families/friends, but DOES NOT decree that the American flag be lowered for this type of thing. Thank you Tucker! WELL DONE!

I agree with the Governor. We need to hold our heads high. We need to show them that we are not affraid. We will not live in fear.
This is our country and we need to protect it. I am a vetran and I refuse to lay down to these6people. Why are we as6Americans so affraid of upsetting these people. If they dont like our ways then leave. They dishonor our6country. Waive other country flags. Burn ours. The Governor should be commended

thank you for your service too. America should NOT bow down (as obama has been doing, belittling the American people, apologizing for everything we have fought for, etc. Stand strong and united Americans! its way past time for us to take back our beloved America and fight for our hard won freedoms!!!

6Damn right!!! All I 6have to say to that is HOOAH!!! I am a 6veteran as well, and i also believe the governor is completely right! Everyone should be ashamed of themselves for allowing our enemies to see us show our emotions, fears, and most of all tears!!! It shows a sign of weakness, wich as an american who fought for this country, I know for damn sure I am not weak as an individual. We are only as strong as out weakest link people!!! Wake up and smell the coffee america!!! And thank you for your service brother!!!
All hail!!!

Hey show some respect for a veteran who served this beloved country so you can have the right to type what you wanna type and not die for doing so!!! For saying what you said, in my opinion are the lowest scum on the face of this earth! I have more respect for ISIS than i do for you and they are the enmy!!!

And for your information “kacs” you ignorant son of a b!&*% i am from california! Born and raised. As a matter of fact I am filipino! So have some respect for us veterans and keep your filthy c$*# sucker that you call a mouth shut!!!

Right on both counts. Over use of important symbols as lowering the flag diminishes their value. Sad, sad story, again; both the attacks in Fla. and San Bernardino and Fort Hood and the Democrats using the incidents for their own political agendas.

he special honor of half mast looses its value and becomes unevenrful when it becomes so commonplace.Just fly it at half mast perpetually.When something grand occur and is momentuos raise it full on.That way it represents the E.D. government we presently have! When someone with a pair gets into office put it back to full mast!

Any rule or custom pertaining to the display of the flag of the United States of America, set forth herein, may be altered, modified, or repealed, or additional rules with respect thereto may be prescribed, by the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the United States, whenever he deems it to be appropriate or desirable; and any such alteration or additional rule shall be set forth in a proclamation. (4 US Code, Chapter 10). Proclamation issued by the Commander-in-Chief:

The White House
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release June 12, 2016
Presidential Proclamation — Honoring the Victims of the Attack in Orlando, Florida

HONORING THE VICTIMS OF THE ATTACK IN ORLANDO, FLORIDA

– – – – – – –

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION

As a mark of respect for the victims of the act of hatred and terror perpetrated on Sunday, June 12, 2016, in Orlando, Florida, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, June 16, 2016. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this

twelfth day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand sixteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth.

You can stand on the flag, burn it, use it as draperies for your living room, made clothing out of it, include a logo on it for advertisement, etc… All of these are mentioned in the Flag Code as not allowed. However, there are not any criminal penalties assigned to the Flag Code. So, yes, this Commissioner has the ability to not lower the Flag, and there are no repercussions. I am by no means a fan of the president, but I think when there is a mass loss of life, and THE Office of the President asks for Americans to come together to show unity during a tragic event, we should as Americans (not one group or another) heed the call. If the call is lower the Flag to show respect and unity, then I don’t see the harm in doing so. On the flip side…. our Flag should be at half-staff every day, because we Americans should be showing respect and unity when each of our brothers and sisters fall in combat.

Why be so petty? All but you followed the order, and it’s good to see the USA united in something for a change. As much as I despise Barack Obama, an order from the occupant of the Office of the President of the United States was given. Respect the Office if not the idiot in it.

I bet he’d lower the flag if a KKK member had been shot. Seriously, just when you think people in Alabama can’t be anymore prejudice then they already are. CONGRATULATIONS, you’ve topped yourself. How about this, how about we cut all federal funding to Alabama and see how ya’ll poor selves deal with that?

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